When our daughter was in middle school, she wanted to be a cheerleader. Frankly, I was hesitant. In my experience, cheerleaders wanted to be seen more than they wanted to support the team and the fans. We relented, however, and she, and the squad, did a good job of supporting the team. It’s funny, at our grandson’s high school football games, there are more families of cheerleaders than of the team.
A good cheerleader knows the score and the team’s overall situation. The cheers are then designed to encourage the team in those situations. They believe in the team and want them to succeed.
Everybody needs cheerleaders in his or her life. I am not talking about somebody with a uniform and megaphone. I am talking about somebody who believes in us. Somebody who is ready with an encouraging word. Somebody who understands our situation and walks with us through our struggles. I believe that Jesus does all these things and more. But each of us can be cheerleaders for someone. Perhaps it is for our spouse or a child. Perhaps we can cheer on a friend.
Hebrews 3:13 says, “But encourage one another day after day as long as it is called ‘Today’, so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Without encouragement we risk becoming overtaken by sin. Don’t let this happen. Encourage someone today!
Reluctant Retiree 